Rapha have unveiled their 2013 spring/summer catalogue, with a number of new items, including the Trade Team Jersey and Pro Team Race Cape, and updated colours across the collection.

Highlights of the range include three Trade Team jerseys. The new jersey range has been launched to celebrate the podium finishers of the 1962 Tour de France, the year that marked the return of trade teams to cycling’s biggest race.

The 49th edition of the Tour saw newcomer Raymond Poulidor of the Mercier team finish third and Jozef Planckaert of Flandria second, with Jacques Anquetil of St. Raphaël winning the third of five titles. The three jerseys pay tribute to each rider’s team, with the yellow and purple of Mercia, red and white or Flandria and light blue, red and white of St. Raphaël.

The jerseys each have two embroideries, the first a motif on the back of the pocket representing the individual rider. For Plankaert there is a Lion of Flanders, Poulidor is honoured with a heart and Anquetil’s emblem is a stopwatch. On the left sleeve is an embroidered national tricolour representing each trade team and rider’s nationality.

Each jersey is made from the same merino-blend fabric as the Classic Jersey and will cost £110. Details include embroidered icons, a drawcord hem, three rear pockets, a pump sleeve and zipped valuables pocket and a full-length zip with chinguard. Rapha have also introduced three matching caps made from 100 per cent cotton.

Bestsellers like the Club (£100), Lightweight (£130, now available in fig and papyrus colourways) and Classic (£130) jerseys all remain in the range, but with new bolder and brighter colours. In fact, much of the Rapha range has been given a splash of colour.

The Classic Jersey was previously only available in black with a white armband but it’s now available in red and blue.

The 2013 Club Jersey comes in three new colour options that Rapha say are inspired by three heroes of the sport: long distance record holder Tommy Godwin (fig), 1955 Olympic road race gold medallist Ramon Hoyos (light blue) and 1960 Tour de France champion Gastone Nencini (black).

Meanwhile, the new Pro Team Race Cape has been designed for high-tempo training and racing in changeable conditions. The cape is made from a three-ply laminate fabric which Rapha say is lightweight, durable, waterproof and breathable.

The cape has a slim fit, reflecting its place in the Pro Team range, but Rapha say the fabric has enough stretch to ensure it keeps its shape when worn over a jersey with heavily loaded pockets. Details include lycra cuffs, a neoprene collar and reflective trim and logos, while the cape can also be packed down into a jersey pocket. The Pro Team Race Cape will come in Team Sky-inspired blue or charcoal grey and will cost £220 when it becomes available in late March.

Rapha’s Hot Weather collection covers items designed with the hottest and most humid weather in mind and the Lightweight Bib Shorts (£140) are a new addition to the range, complementing the existing Lightweight Jersey, Super Lightweight Jersey, Lightweight Cap and Arm Screens.

The shorts are made from a soft, stretch fabric which is said to offer improved breathability while being significantly lighter than other shorts in the Rapha range. They also incorporate sun-block treatment, while other features designed for hot weather riding include a lighter mesh and a larger cutaway section on the back.

The pad has also been designed for Rapha with a perforated construction which reduces weight and improves breathability by allowing more airflow around the seat area. The shorts are available in black with either a red, white or blue strip on the left leg.

Rapha’s women’s spring/summer range has also been revamped, with the new Souplesse Jersey (£125) offering a female-specific fit (including shorter sleeves) made from a lightweight supportive material in a flattering cut. Out back there are two rear pockets and an additional pump pocket, along with a zipped valuables pocket. Details include a contrast stripe and a polka dot collar lining, while the jersey is available in mauve, dark blue or light blue.

Otherwise, Rapha have also introduced new female-specific Classic Bib Shorts (£150), designed both for training and sportive rides, and made from a lightweight and breathable fabric ideal for warm weather. There’s also a new short sleeve women’s base layer (£60) made from 100 per cent merino.

Finally, there are new colourways for the women’s Wind Jacket (purple and red), Lightweight Jersey (purple, cream and grey with high-vis pink) and Silk Scarf (polka dot).

You can view the full Rapha spring/summer range at www.ss13.rapha.cc